While Iran is denying any discussions have taken place, United States ruler Donald Trump claims that the Islamic Republic wants to “make a deal”.  Trump has also extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying the U.S. will hold off striking power plants in the country for five days.

Trump said that he has already instructed the Department of War to “postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five‑day period.” The pause is “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions,” he claims are taking place.

Trump Threatens To “Obliterate” Iran’s Power Plants

Trump later told reporters that U.S. envoys have been holding talks with a “respected” Iranian leader.

However, Iran insisted that there is “no dialogue between Tehran and Washington,” describing Trump’s statements as an attempt to cool energy markets and buy time for his military plans.

The Associated Press reported that the death toll from the war has risen to more than 1,500 people in Iran, over 1,000 people in Lebanon, 15 in Israel, and 13 U.S. military members, as well as a number of civilians on land and sea in the Gulf region. Millions of people in Lebanon and Iran have been displaced, and United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon report “intense gunfire and explosions” as Israeli ground forces fight Hezbollah militants.

One week ago, Axios reported that Iran and the U.S. have been in direct contact. According to a U.S. official and a source with knowledge of the talks, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have reopened a communications channel.

Iran has so far refused to back down or bow to U.S. demands, even after some of its politicians were executed.

Iran Says Its Ruling Class Is Strong After Killing Of Some Politicians

Meanwhile, Israel has announced “another wave of strikes” against “infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime across Tehran.”  This could wrap the U.S. up in these strikes as well, making any kind of peace plan impossible right now.